Long Island dance group showcases beauty of Polynesian culture

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) – A Long Island dance group is bringing the beauty of Polynesian culture to the tri-state area.

Island Inspiration NY was founded in 2018 and its membership continues to grow every year. PIX11’s Eileen Lehpamer sat down with several members of the group during Asian American and Pacific Islander Month.

A spiritual retreat on Staten Island

“There’s not a lot of activity within Polynesian communities on our Long Island, it’s the most important for us to continue to share it, so it continues to grow. We love to be able to educate our younger students and also our audiences for the people we dance for,” Precious Sahagun, who founded the group, said.

Sahagun said that a lot of the dance is “rooted into the elements of earth and honoring your ancestors that came before you.”

Owner of local Japanese grocery store honored by NY community

Catherine Naranjo said it’s important to celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Month.

“I’m so happy the media is showing so much more of it. Growing up we definitely didn’t see it this much and we definitely didn’t get to learn about it as much,” said Naranjo.

Island Inspiration NY takes part in several public festivals every year, including one in Heckscher Park. They also do private and corporate events.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.